Cloning will not start

Thanks David and Wolfgang I didn't because I thought it might have been just a factory reset stuff as it said something about data I'm sure but if it comes to something like that it would save a lot of messing around.

Here is how refresh works:

Refresh Windows 8

whs said:

Here is how refresh works:

Refresh Windows 8

Well Wolfgang I have messed up big time here I think because I need the installation disk or some sort of image. Now while I have several images available I cannot find the key code for the original install for 8 and very stupidly did not make any rescue disks. I
I did this quite a while ago if you remember when they were offering 8.1 free that is about the time I did all this and my filing system is pretty pathetic I have to admit - I do keep installation disks properly filed but this install was done when I bought one of those upgrade key cards and I have checked my record book but no code so using an ISO or even the images is or looks to be the problem. The key card from the time well you might as well throw stones at the moon at me finding it.
What I don't get is why it will not boot into safe mode unless I have really wrecked it.

It does power up into diagnosing the system and then eventually goes to the Troubleshoot stuff but then nothing.

I think my only choice is to clean install the original 7 OEM ( I have two spares if that doesn't work) and just retrieve data from that problem drive but having said that I usually put my data ie docs and pics on to all the machines so I have a fair store of those to just email them back to myself on the new install.

I'll try that and see what happens I am not so fussed with 8 as I have mention so many times before and being on this forum so much it makes too difficult to post snips of screens etc for 7 enquiries in threads for 7 issues because of things like the Start up tab in msconfig being changed from something simple to something non simple (to me at least) without having to refer to pics brought in from other machines.

But look I appreciate everyone's help on this and at least I have learnt I must get my records in order and the filing system has to be made usable, and not just jump in and change things around without thinking too much about it first.
But most of all I will now be keeping check on disk space as it is a no brainer really

Yeah, if you made an upgrade install and threw away the key, that is messy. But if that was originally an OEM Windows 8 system, then the W8 key is in the BIOS and all you need to do is install W8 again and then update to W8.1.The product key will be handled automatically.

For saving your files you can use any live Linux CD or this. But if it is an UEFI system, you will have to shut off Secure Boot and set up Legacy mode in the BIOS if you want to boot the Linuxes.

If you want to get files on another system, why don;t you just copy themm on a flash drive instead of mailing them - that is awkward.

I could try David but if I clone then perhaps I shall just clone the problem over but I can try.

In the meantime I went into Advanced options and out of five options only the command prompt works (see pic) system restore - no restore points - a joke Repair no go Image repair reckons there are no images available when I have that drive hooked up the rest are just testing my patience and wasting your folks time I ma just ready for 7 install because it has become more trouble than it is worth because I think I have wrecked the OS on that drive I should have cloned it long ago.